Entry

The Censor-in-Chief of the Right Zhu Ying, supreme commander of Guang-dong/Guang-xi military affairs, and others memorialized: "He Chu-ying, the prefect of Tai-ping Prefecture; Zhao Yuan, the native-official magistrate of Long Subprefecture; and Li Guang-ning, the native-official magistrate of Ping-xiang County have all reported information on Annam which they have obtained. They spoke of Annam's attack on Laos. Last year in the eighth month (Aug/Sept 1479), Annam raised 80,000 troops, built roads and stored up grain. In the ninth month, the minister Dong Zheng-yi was ordered to lead 60,000 of the troops into battle. They were greatly defeated and 20,000 troops were killed. In the 10th month (Oct/Nov 1479), the king, Li Hao, personally led 90,000 troops there, but they were again engaged by the troops of the whole country (Alt: troops from the country of Man) and 30,000 were killed. Hao fell ill from his anger and in the 12th month (Jan/Feb 1480) returned to his country." The memorial was sent to the Ministry of War which requested that a despatch be sent to Ying and so on, instructing them to reward the three persons, including Chu-ying, with a banquet of sheep and wine. This was Imperially approved. In addition, Imperial orders were sent to Ying and so on, as well as to the Yun-nan Regional Commander Mu Cong and others. The orders read: "Recently, it has been learned that Annam has attacked Laos and many of its troops were killed there. Annam has gone against principle and violated righteousness and brought defeat upon itself. The outcome was assured by principle. You did not report anything and said that there was no trouble at the borders. When it suddenly came, you were remiss. You should firm up your border defence arrangements so as to guard against the unexpected."